The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has approved special permits to 1,021 public utility vehicles (PUVs). This is to ensure smooth travel for Filipinos during the observance of Holy Week until April 14.
“The LTFRB issues special permits during special occasions, including Holy Week, to maximize the operations of PUVs as the influx of passengers traveling to their home provinces is expected to increase before, during, and after the Holy Week,” LTFRB chief Teofilo Guadiz III said on Friday.
To ensure the safety and security of Filipino commuters, the LTFRB will also conduct an inspection of PUVs along with the Land Transportation Office at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on March 25, Saturday, ahead of the Holy Week break.
The activity is part of the Oplan Bantay-Biyahe Semana Santa 2024 of the government. Under this measure, bus terminals are required to set up help desks as the LTFRB and LTO conduct random checks on PUVs. The LTFRB has been on alert since Thursday, March 21, until April 11.
“We are on alert, including all our regional offices, and that there will be standby security and safety measures within their regions. So, we have deployed LTFRB personnel for public assistance to our passengers,” said spokesperson Celine Pialago.
Guadiz also directed all regional offices to conduct inspections and set up public assistance in terminals. Pialago said they will conduct random inspection on PUVs, drug testing and enforcement activities.